YASKAWA CIMR-AB4A0038FBA – High‑performance 400 V Variable Frequency Drive for 18.5 kW‑class Motors

The YASKAWA CIMR-AB4A0038FBA is a robust general‑purpose AC drive designed for precise motor speed and torque control in demanding industrial environments. From my experience, the “0038” current class typically aligns with 38 A output at the 400/480 V range, making it a solid fit for 18.5 kW (around 25 HP) motors in many cases. You might notice that it balances flexibility and protection very well—vector control for dynamic loads, broad I/O for PLC integration, and layered protections to keep lines running.

Our Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 400/480 V class performance: Suited for three‑phase 380–480 VAC systems; “0038” frame is commonly used on 18.5 kW applications.
• Multiple control modes: V/f, sensorless vector, and torque control for conveyors, pumps, fans, mixers, and more.
• Built‑in protections: Overcurrent, over/under‑voltage, overtemperature, motor overload, and ground fault detection help avoid unplanned stops.
• Broad I/O set: Typical allocation includes multiple digital inputs, 0–10 V / 4–20 mA analog I/O, and relay outputs for interlocks and alarms.
• Communications-ready: RS‑485 (Modbus‑RTU) as standard on many units; fieldbus options available for major PLC brands.
• Energy‑saving functions: PID process control and automatic energy optimization can reduce power draw on variable torque loads.
• Safety integration: Safe Torque Off (STO) is available on many A‑series frames, simplifying machine safety designs.
• Serviceability: Removable terminal block and parameter copy features typically reduce commissioning time.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This model is commonly used across:

• Pumps and blowers in water/wastewater and HVAC plants (PID control helps maintain pressure or flow).
• Conveyors and palletizers in logistics and material handling where smooth accel/decel reduces mechanical wear.
• Mixers, agitators, and extruders in food, chemicals, and plastics, benefiting from torque‑rich low‑speed control.
• Fans and cooling towers with energy‑saving variable‑torque profiles.
• Compressors and packaging equipment integrated via Modbus or optional fieldbus cards.

Feedback we’ve heard: a maintenance manager on a bottling line mentioned that swapping to this 0038 class unit reduced nuisance overcurrent trips during start‑ups, especially on heavier loads.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability first: YASKAWA drives are known for long service life; in most cases, uptime improves versus older legacy inverters.
• Compatibility: Works well with mainstream PLCs; option cards cover EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, and others to match existing networks.
• Lifecycle savings: Energy optimization for variable‑torque loads and fewer mechanical shocks typically cut maintenance costs.
• Support & availability: Parameter copy tools and straightforward terminals speed commissioning; spares are widely available.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & environment: Install vertically in a clean, dry control cabinet. Provide clearances per frame size for airflow; avoid corrosive gases and conductive dust.
• Power wiring: Use appropriately rated 3‑phase supply cables and motor leads. Separate power and control wiring to reduce noise; bond ground with low impedance.
• EMC & harmonics: Where required, add input line reactors or filters. Many “FBA” suffix units appear to include an internal EMC filter—verify per datasheet and local codes.
• Braking & duty: For rapid decel or high‑inertia loads, select a matched external braking resistor and ensure thermal sizing is adequate.
• Routine care: Inspect fans and heatsinks quarterly; remove dust with dry air. Check terminals for torque. Back up parameters; apply firmware updates when recommended.
• Safety: Lockout/tagout before service. STO wiring should be installed and validated according to your risk assessment and applicable standards.

Supporting Components (commonly paired)

• Braking resistor (18.5 kW class): For fast stopping or vertical loads; select ohmic value and wattage per YASKAWA recommendations.
• Input line reactor (3–5%): Helps mitigate harmonics and protects the drive against line transients.
• EMC/RFI filter: Where stricter emissions are required; some FBA variants include an internal filter.
• Remote keypad / copy unit: Simplifies commissioning and parameter cloning between drives.
• Fieldbus option cards: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS‑DP, DeviceNet, CC‑Link, BACnet MS/TP (confirm specific option code for the AB4A platform).

Quality & Certifications

• Typically complies with CE and UL/cUL requirements for industrial motor drives.
• RoHS compliance for hazardous substances in most regions.
• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Warranty: 365 days from our supply, with technical support available during setup and operation.